Robert R. "Bob" Chapman

CHAPMAN Robert R. "Bob" Chapman, age 97, lifelong resident of Plain City, died peacefully Wednesday morning, November 30, 2005, with both his children by his side, at Carriage Court Assisted Living in Marysville. He was born at home in Plain City on June 23, 1908 to Linnie Wing and George Butler Chapman. Bob was an explorer – He traveled to the Holy Land at age 16 in 1925 with a group of missionaries and later in life "walked" to Emmaus at a local church in Marysville. He never quit telling about either experience. He was a member of the Plain City United Methodist Church for over 90 years and a Sunday school teacher for 60 years. Bob devoted much of his energy to his church and the many organizations and clubs he loved. He was a traveling manager for Kresge's during the depression and took over his father's Ford dealership (Bob Chapman Ford) in 1935. Bob, an avid pilot, and his childhood friend, Frenchy Houchard, built the airport in Plain City during the mid 40's and still enjoyed flying in his Cessna at age 97. A ham radio operator, he connected up over the airwaves with his brother-in-law in Tucson each morning for over 20 years. He was a devoted caregiver to his wife "Toni", spending endless hours of companionship at her side. Joined the Urania Lodge at age 21, 75 year member of Aladdin Shrine Temple, Royal Order of Jesters Court #8. Kentucky Colonels, Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, Union and Madison Co. Airport Authority, Union Co. Republican Century Club and member of the Plain City Lions Club. Preceded in death by wife of over 65 years Lenore "Toni" (Goodrich) Chapman, January 24, 2005, parents, special grandson Eric Hankins, sisters Louise Loomis, Ruth Slear, Kathryn Woodruff. Survived by children, Robert G. (Lynda) Chapman of Plain City, Betsy L. (Ted) Hankins of London; four grandchildren, Mitchell (Jaime) Chapman, Adam (Andrea) Chapman, Joseph Chapman, Julie (Ted) Basinger; twin great-grandsons, Robbie and Jack; nieces, Susan Woodruff, Marilyn Slear; devoted friends, especially Jim Carney, Bob Cahill and Fred Kile. The family will receive friends 2–4 and 7–9 p.m. Friday, FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 202 E. Main Street (St. Rte. 161W), Plain City, with Masonic services at 6:30 p.m. Burial Forest Grove Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2005 at Plain City United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Stephen Price officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Plain City United Methodist Church Building Fund, 202 N. Chillicothe Street, Plain City, Ohio 43064. The family is especially thankful to the staff at Carriage Court and Loving Care Hospice.